[Aaron99]

Hello, I posted earlier in the summer with an issue with my car's fuel pump. I replaced the pump a the end of the summer, and it's run flawlessly until today. As I was going to leave the store, I got into my car turned the key. It did a poor, sputtering start then died. After that I couldn't get the car to start. I tried multiple times to no avail. I had some pressure at the fuel rail, but nothing great. I noticed I didn't hear the fuel pump come on, only a really loud click from the relay. I pounded on the tank, but the car still wouldn't start. Then on a last ditch effort, I opened up the rear fuse box, pulled fuse #25 (The fuel pump fuse) and plugged it back in. The car started right up, and still starts now. I drove it around a little bit ago, and it runs fine, but I've noticed the fuel pump relay making a really loud click. After I got the car started I drove it up a relatively good sized hill, and the car didn't lose any power whatsoever, unlike a failing fuel pump should. Even though I put a cheap fuel pump in, I'm wondering if I have an electrical problem with this car. The car has over 203,000 miles on it, I only payed 650 for it. I've dumped a bunch of money into it, and it has several issues such as a stuck thermostat, worn electronic power steering system, and failing/blocked catalytic converter. Plus the fuel tank is a royal son of a gun to take out because Chevy made the rear fuel tank strap bolts completely inaccessible. I'm in college (a couple hundred miles from home), and I am financially stable enough to purchase a used car right now. I've never taken a car to a shop because my Dad knows how to fix almost any mechanical system on a car, and if I take it to a mechanic I likely won't be able to afford another car anymore. I'm wondering if anybody would have any input on this issue, because I'm trying to figure if it's a viable option to dump more money into a car than I originally payed for it, or just sell it off, cut my losses, and buy something else. Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

[UmmScott]

Have you tested power and ground to the fuel pump and did you replace the fuel filter as well last time?

Itd be foolish to replace the pump and not the fuel filter. Clogged fuel filters generally will burnout a new pump in no time.
Also, the fact that your relay was chattering for sure states that you have an erratic electrical issue.
Id even go as far to say as this issue was probably present in the beginning and killed your first pump.

Gotta test it man. Cant throw parts at cars now a days or theyll come back to bite ya

Ill try to help ya in any way possible. Been in your position before for sure

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[Aaron99]

I have an LS V6 (newer style 2004), so it has a fuel filter right on the fuel pump. So when I put the new pump in it got a new filter as well. Considering the intermittent starting issue I had before the pump was put in, I'm starting to wonder if I do have an electrical issue. Plus the fuel level sensor was fried on the old pump as well. I'm up in northern Minnesota, and it's starting to drop below freezing at night, so I'm wondering if that could affect it.

 

[DrivenDaily]

Were you able to check the connections at the plug when you had it out, or if the plug itself may be compromised in some way?

Also, the wiring may have some issues such as having been chewed by rodents or struck by road debris.

 

[UmmScott]

I hear ya. Intermittent issues can be terribly frustrating especially for someone on a budget.
Alot of times, cars like that are sold cheaply so the current owner can quickly get rid of and wash their hands of the problem. And they use the intermittent factor to their advantage.

I would be getting a wiring diagram for the fuel pump of your car and if you seriously want to keep the car, I would carefully check all the components that are involved in the circuit for the fuel pump. Especially powers and grounds. If the pump is getting weak voltage that will burn it out quick. Find the ground that the pump is on and check that.

Check the fuse and relay, replace them both anyway, cheap insurance.
Also, a fuel pump is not a job anyone wants to do twice so i always advise buying the Factory OEM pump. Yes it will be more expensive but its 10 times better than doing the job twice because the aftermarket pump took a crap early on ya.


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[Aaron99]

I need to replace the Catalytic Converter, so that involves taking out the Exhaust system. If I do that I might replace the fuel pump again with a Factory OEM pump.

 

[UmmScott]

I need to replace the Catalytic Converter, so that involves taking out the Exhaust system. If I do that I might replace the fuel pump again with a Factory OEM pump.

Whats wrong with the cat? Plugged?

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[Aaron99]

Possibly. That's what Autozone said after a scan. Looking under it's prettt rusted out